Flying Blue tops global loyalty ranking; Aeroplan places third

Flying Blue, the loyalty program of Air France-KLM, has topped point.me’s 2026 ranking of the world’s best airline rewards programs for the third consecutive year. United MileagePlus placed second, followed by Air Canada’s Aeroplan.

Released Oct. 29, the third annual ranking evaluates 33 loyalty programs, drawing on more than 250 million award fares from the points-and-miles flight search platform’s data.

The analysis considers redemption costs, seat availability and ease of booking, along with other aspects of the member experience.

Aeroplan stands out in three categories

Flying Blue took top honours for award seat availability, partner redemption opportunities and ease of earning points or miles.

United MileagePlus ranked highest for its redemption experience and customer service, according to point.me.

Aeroplan rounded out the global top three with a strong performance across several categories. The program was a runner-up in award seat availability, partner redemption opportunities and ease of earning.

In the Americas, United MileagePlus ranked first, ahead of Aeroplan and Atmos Rewards, the loyalty program of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.

The top 10 programs

Here is point.me’s global ranking for 2026:

1. Air France-KLM Flying Blue
2. United MileagePlus
3. Air Canada Aeroplan
4. Alaska/Hawaiian Atmos Rewards
5. American Airlines AAdvantage
6. Qatar Airways Privilege Club
7. JetBlue TrueBlue
8. British Airways Club
9. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
10. Cathay Pacific Asia Miles

Flying Blue also led the regional ranking in Europe, ahead of British Airways Club.

In Asia and Oceania, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles took first place, with Japan Airlines Mileage Bank and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer tied as runners-up.

In the Middle East, Qatar Airways Privilege Club ranked ahead of Emirates Skywards.

Eight evaluation categories

The report combines quantitative and qualitative data to assess program features and policies as of Aug. 1, 2026. Its methodology reflects the needs of U.S. travellers.

Programs were evaluated across eight categories: ease of earning points or miles, redemption rates, partner redemption opportunities, booking experience, award seat availability, the ability to hold an award reservation, customer service and change fee policies.

Travellers want to use their points without having to become experts, according to Adam Morvitz, CEO of point.me.

A good program, he said, should help members find a seat at a reasonable redemption rate, book it easily and adjust their plans when needed, rather than simply offer the occasional exceptional deal.

Credit cards play a growing role

The report also highlights a growing trend: airlines are increasingly reserving their lowest redemption rates and some award seat availability for holders of their branded credit cards.

According to point.me, United now makes most of its discounted Polaris business-class award seats available to cardholders and elite members.

Delta Air Lines offers a 15 per cent discount on award tickets to holders of certain eligible credit cards, while JetBlue offers redemption discounts of 10 to 15 per cent.

The analysis also points to fewer award seats being made available through partner programs, as airlines prioritize their own members for access to premium cabins.

Flexibility is another distinguishing factor. Only three of the programs studied offer free changes and cancellations on all award tickets. Others charge fees of up to $150 or impose restrictions on refunds.

The full report and methodology are available on the point.me website.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.